Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Tattoo Tuesday V.36: Couples Edition!

This week I thought it would be fun to try something new and feature a couple, in this case a darling husband and wife duo named Nicole and Rob. I'm super excited to present these two as our first Tattoo Tuesday couple, and I think you guys will definitely enjoy reading this extra-long, chock full of photos post! Be sure to check out Ms. Nicole's blog, linked below, and see hello. Happy Tattoo Tuesday!

1) Tell us about the tattoo you are sharing with us- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

My husband made me an appointment to start my sleeve as a birthday present, back in 2008. I decided to start with a shoulder cap of flowers, with an anchor in the center. Not much meaning behind it, I just wanted something feminine. I also really liked the idea of the anchor as a sign of stability and foundations, since my husband and I were getting married later that year.

It took me a while to decide what to do under that. I had been thinking about a California-themed piece, but I couldn't visualize a way to make it flow with the shoulder cap. Eventually I settled on an underwater theme, which basically symbolizes my love for all things aquatic. I have an octopus (said to represent creativity and flexibility, which I appreciate), a ship in a bottle, and a mermaid with red hair (I love mermaids). The piece was all hand-drawn by my artist.

2) Do you have any other tattoos?

I have several tattoos on my back, including a skull and crossbones on my upperback, a star with swirled green and purple, a sparrow, and a horseshoe. And of course diamonds my feet.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Yes, definitely. My last piece took several months to complete and I took the summer off from tattooing, otherwise I would already have more by now. The next one I have planned is a pair of swallows (cliche, I know) that were on my wedding invitations. I also have plans for a pin-stripe tattoo, a large family piece, and other various smaller tattoos. The areas that I really want to focus on now are my hips, legs, and chest.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

My parents were not happy at first, but now are some of my biggest supporters. I still think they would have preferred my tattoo-free, but it doesn't bother them anymore, and in fact my mother now has an appreciation and respect for tattoo art.. My in-laws have been a little slower to accept it, but it's not really an issue these days. Most of friends are tattooed.

I work in a pretty conservative industry, but mostly my tattoos are looked at as a novelty and no one has been negative. I try to keep covered as much as possible when I am in the office. I get more comments and dirty looks when I am out at dinner! I waited until I had a stable career before getting more visable tattoos.

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

Make sure you are comfortable with your shop and your artist. It's nice to feel like you are hanging out with a friend rather than completing a business transaction (a mistake a made with my first few tattoos). Also, while I wouldn't say anyone should get a tattoo on a whim, don't feel pressured to pick something that has deep sentimental value to you, just get something you are going to love. Also, don't let anyone talk into something you don't want,but it is worthwhile to ask your artist's opinion. They've been doing it a long time and can recognize an idea that sounds great but may not translate to skin well.

1) Tell us about the tattoo you are sharing with us- is there a background story or special meaning? Why did you choose this particular piece of art?

Since I eat, sleep, and breathe cars, there was no questions what the theme of my sleeve would be, just how I was going to incorporate it all. I found images and ideas I liked, brought it to my artist, and he made magic on my arm. American traditional tattoos are really popular, and while I like them, I wanted to go in a different direction. We decided to do a realistic black and gray. The top car is a '3 Oldsmobile, and on the bottom is '6 Ford. I also have several vintage Oldsmobile icons because I have two Olds Rockets. The Highway 101 sign is a reference to the first song my wife and I danced to at our wedding (Highway 101 by Social Distortion). There also vintage parts and tools scattered about.

2) Do you have any other tattoos? If so, what do you have and where?

I have Sailor Jerry piece on my back and the words "' gonna live before I die"on my chest. The script on my chest was my first tattoo, and both the S.J. and the script was done by Jen Mathias at Mantra Tattoo.

3) Do you plan on getting more?

Yeah,I plan on on getting my other arm done and I have a bunch more ideas.

4) How do your family and friends feel about your tattoo(s)? Have you run into any adversity or negativity because of them?

My parents were not happy at first, but now they are pretty used to it. Most of my friends either are tattooed or don' care. "f you don' think you have the balls enough to wear a tattoo, don' get one, but don' try to make excuses for yourself, by knocking the fellow who does!"Sailor Jerry Collins

5) Any advice for those interested in getting tattooed but haven't gotten one yet?

20 comments:

Yay, couples edition is the best idea! I might take you up on the Tattoo Tuesday thing sooner if I can share the spotlight with my boyfriend haha. I still see myself as a tattoo n00b. The colours in Nicole's sleeve are so gorgeous!

What an awesome idea to introduce couples into Tattoo Tuesday. I absolutely adore the first photo of them together with the ferris wheel in the background. It reminds me of a retro country summer fair. Love Sara

I just came across your blog, and I'm going to be so hooked on tattoo tuesday, I love reading/hearing the stories behind peoples tattoos! Yours are beautiful by the way, from what I've seen so far anyway!